Evidence supporting the use of: Danshen
For the health condition: Migraine
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb commonly used for its purported effects on blood circulation and cardiovascular health. Its use in the context of migraines is primarily rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, where migraines are often attributed to "blood stasis" or poor circulation in the head. TCM practitioners have historically used Danshen, often in combination with other herbs, to "invigorate the blood" and alleviate headache symptoms, including migraines.
There is limited scientific investigation specifically addressing Danshen for migraine treatment. Some animal studies and in vitro research suggest that Danshen has anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and neuroprotective properties, which could, in theory, be relevant to migraine pathophysiology. However, robust human clinical trials evaluating Danshen alone or in combination for migraine prevention or treatment are lacking. The available evidence is largely anecdotal or based on traditional formulations, rather than modern, placebo-controlled studies.
In summary, the rationale for using Danshen in migraines is primarily traditional, supported by TCM texts and historical usage, with only preliminary and indirect scientific support for its mechanisms. Its effectiveness for migraine management has not been substantiated by high-quality clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Migraine
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Albizia
Almond fruit
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-lipoic acid
apple cider vinegar
ashwagandha
atractylodes
atractylone
Baikal Skullcap
balsam
banyan
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
beta-hydroxybutyrate
betony
Bifidobacteria
Black Hellebore
black seed
black tea
blackboard tree
Blepharis
brahmi
bupleurum falcatum
butterbur
cannabidiol
Carthamus
Chinese salvia root
Chinese silkvine
chrysanthemum
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cola nut
Corydalis
creatine
crocin
curcumin
danshen
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
docosahexaenoic Acid
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
feverfew
Ficus religiosa
Ficus simplicissima
fish
fish oil
flavanones
flavin mononucleotide
folic acid
frankincense
Gelsemium
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginkgolides
Ginkgoside
goldthread
gooseberry
gotu kola
Hellebore
Indian frankincense
iridoids
ketone salts
kuding tea
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lavender
lemon balm
Lesser speargrass
linalool
little ironweed
luteolin
magnesium
Meadowsweet
Melatonin
Mesua
Methylxanthine
Moringa
Nardostachys
Niacin (vitamin B3)
Night jessamine
omega-3 fatty acids
Osthole
paeoniflorin
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Peppermint
Petasines
Phthalides
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
Polygonum
Puerarin
purple butterbur root
Pycnogenol
Rauvolfia
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Rubiaceae
Rubus
rue
Salmon Oil
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sensitive Plant
soursop
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Spikenard
Swertia
Szechuan lovage
turmeric
ubiquinol
Uncaria
Valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
Withanolides
Xanthine
Xanthone
Xanthophyll
Yuzu
Zinc
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by danshen
AnginaArrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Congestive Heart Failure
Edema
Fatty Liver Disease
Hypertension
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Migraine
Pain (general remedies for)
Phlebitis
Raynaud's Disease
Strokes
Thrombosis
Triglycerides (high)
